Bo Peep February 17, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Girl sits at home awaiting Johnny's return from the fair

Oh Dear (What Can the Matter Be?)

Oh, dear! What can the matter be?
Dear, dear! What can the matter be?
Oh, dear! What can the matter be?
Johnny’s so long at the fair.

Listen as female American:

Listen as female British:

Optional Composition For Song:

(Use the main rhyme as the song chorus)
Oh, dear! What can the matter be?
Dear, dear! What can the matter be?
Oh, dear! What can the matter be?
Johnny’s so long at the fair.

He promised to buy me a trinket to please me,
And then for a smile, he vowed he would tease me,
He promised to bring me a bunch of blue ribbons,
To tie up my bonny brown hair.

(Chorus)

He promised to bring me a basket of posies,
A garland of lilies, a gift of red roses,
A little straw hat to set off the blue ribbons,
That tie up my bonny brown hair.

(Chorus)

Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Historical & Traditional, People & Characters, Songs & Verses

Tagged anticipation, brown, fair, hair, Johnny, ribbon

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Meaning

This rhyme expresses playful concern and anticipation as the narrator wonders why Johnny is delayed at the fair. Promises of gifts and tokens heighten the emotional tension in a lighthearted, lyrical way, making it relatable for children and adults alike.

Origin

First published in England in the late 18th century, “Oh Dear! What Can the Matter Be?” quickly became popular in both Britain and America. Its music and structure reflect folk ballads of the era, and the tune was often used for parodies and adaptations.

Time Period

Dates back to the 1770s–1780s, with sheet music published around 1792 and widespread concert performances in England and the United States soon after.

Why It Became Popular

The rhyme’s repetitive chorus, easily singable tune, and themes of sweethearts, gifts, and fairs made it a favorite for community singing, schoolrooms, and family settings. Its adaptability led to many humorous and parodic versions over time.

Structure and Style

Meter: Iambic and anapestic with a lilting, ballad-like flow
Rhyme Scheme: AABBA (with a repeating chorus)
Line Count: Typically four or eight per stanza, plus the chorus
Style Notes: Narrative, melodic, call-and-response

Themes

Longing and anticipation
Promised gifts
Festivals and fairs
Playful worry and affection

Language Notes

The repetition of “Oh, dear! What can the matter be?” creates a memorable refrain. “Bonny brown hair,” “blue ribbons,” and “basket of posies” are evocative images that ground the song in everyday detail.

Moral or Lesson

The rhyme playfully touches on the anxiety of waiting, showing that emotions like hope, impatience, and delight are universal, while also celebrating the custom of gift-giving and anticipation of reunion.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The song’s catchy chorus and charming melody led to its high popularity and adaptation across English-speaking countries. In later years, it inspired parodies, including humorous and bawdy versions, while remaining a gentle staple of the nursery.

Notable Variants

Different versions may change the chorus, the names, or the promised gifts. American descendants and parodies—such as “Seven Old Ladies”—became well-known in popular and folk music traditions.

Appearances in Media or Literature

The song appears in major nursery rhyme collections, children’s music anthologies, and historic folk songbooks from both Britain and America.

Suggested Activities

Music Game: Sing the chorus responsively in groups or as a class activity.
Drama: Act out the scene of Johnny shopping at the fair for gifts.
Art Project: Draw the fair, the ribbon, or the trinkets promised in the rhyme.
Songwriting: Write your own verses with different gifts or fair experiences.
Discussion: Explore the tradition of festivals and gift-giving in different cultures.

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